Globally, far too many newborns struggle for survival in the first weeks, days, and hours of their lives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 45% of all under-five deaths take place during the neonatal period, the first 28 days of life. While newborn mortality rates are especially high in developing countries, the overall proportion of child deaths that occur within the neonatal period has increased in the last 25 years. Low-cost, low-technology interventions along with clear, setting-specific instructions can, however, prevent many of these deaths.
With the Sustainable Development Goals calling for a global reduction in neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030, we must make every effort to share lessons, practices, and resources related to newborn health. To this end, Global Health Media recently released a set of seven short videos that teach health workers how to follow new and innovative WHO guidelines for ill newborns. The videos are part of the Newborn Care Series, which includes over 30 videos on newborn skills, newborn problems, and special care. They suggest simplified antibiotic regimens in low-resource settings, where access to a hospital may not be feasible.
The films provide live footage of clinical warning signs and step-by-step instructions on appropriate treatment. To watch and download these videos, visit the links below.
Recognizing Clinical Warning Signs in Newborns
- Managing Severe Infections in Newborns
- Fast Breathing as Single Sign of Illness
- Critical Illnesses in Newborns
Treating Sick Newborns
- Preparing and Giving Oral Amoxicillin
- Preparing Ampicillin and Gentamicin
- Giving an Intramuscular Injection
- Home Visit for the Newborn
The videos are available in English and French; Spanish and Swahili versions will be released soon.
For more videos on neonatal clinical warning signs and newborn care instructions, browse the entire Newborn Series. The Global Health Media collection also features videos on breastfeeding, childbirth, cholera, and Ebola.